Spinach That Detects Bombs

Scientists have succeeded in turning a spinach plant into a bomb detection agent! According to MIT News, engineers at MIT have managed to implant extremely tiny carbon tubes into spinach leaves, enabling the plant to react to the chemical nitro-aromatics, which are found in landmines and buried bombs. After detecting this chemical, the information is wirelessly transmitted to a device resembling a mobile phone. This is one of the first examples of plant engineering known as 'plant nanobionics.' The size of the tubes implanted in the spinach leaves is one ten-thousandth the diameter of a human hair and can track chemicals in the air or soil. Researchers hope that this specific technology can help enhance security in public spaces where bomb threats may exist. Michael Strano, one of the engineers on the design team, states, 'These (plants) can even be used around a chemical factory or in excavation areas.' They can quickly transmit the release of chemical gases to receivers. Plants are very suitable for this operation as they are interconnected through their roots, can heal potential wounds and injuries on their stems and leaves, and can easily adapt to their natural environment. Currently, the signals transmitted wirelessly from the leaves of these plants cover a range of one meter, but researchers are working to increase this coverage. Although spinach was chosen as a model plant because it is widely available and easily adaptable to its surroundings, researchers say that any mature and healthy plant has the potential to be turned into a bomb and chemical detection device by implanting these biotic tubes. Researchers also hope to use plants to predict droughts in the future. Dr. Strano says, 'Plants are very curious about their environment. They know that a drought is coming long before we do. If we can find a way to understand the chemical signals within plants, we will have access to a wealth of information.'